PHILIPSBURG:---  The St. Martin Believers’ Connection Convention (SMBCC) is set to host its historic 20th edition from April 30 to May 3, 2026, under the
timely and powerful theme: “Uniting the Church, Restoring Family Values.”
As the convention marks two decades of bringing together the body of Christ from both the Dutch and French sides of the island, this year’s program aims to address the spiritual and social foundations of the community. To lead this mission, the SMBCC Steering Committee is honored to welcome Pastors
Patrick and Mona-Lisa Rutherford from the Caribbean Ministry Association in Nassau, Bahamas, as the featured guest speakers.
Known for their dynamic ministry and commitment to strengthening the Christian home, the Rutherfords bring a wealth of experience in leadership and family counseling. Their participation highlights the convention's 20-year legacy of bringing world-class ministry to the shores of St. Martin.
"The 20th anniversary is not just a celebration of longevity, but a refocusing of our mission," said Pastor Jerome Thomas, Chairman of the SMBCC Steering Committee. "By focusing on 'Uniting the Church, Restoring Family Values,' we are tackling the most critical areas of our society today. We are Thrilled to have Pastors Patrick and Mona-Lisa Rutherford join us to impart wisdom and vision for this
milestone year."
Event Schedule & Details:
 Dates: Thursday, April 30 – Sunday, May 3, 2026
 Time: Nightly at 7:30 PM
 Location: Olam Convention Center, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten
 Theme: Uniting the Church, Restoring Family Values
 Keynote Speakers: Pastors Patrick & Mona-Lisa Rutherford (Bahamas)
Since its founding in 2006 by Apostle Leyland Sam and Pastor Marva Sam, the SMBCC has served as
a beacon of spiritual unity. The 20th edition promises to be a transformative experience for residents
and visitors alike, featuring soul-stirring worship, intensive prayer, and practical teachings for the
modern family.
The general public is invited to attend all sessions. Admission is free.
For more information and updates, visit the St. Martin Believers' Connection Convention on Facebook.

PHILIPSBURG: --- The Sint Maarten Trust Fund has released its latest reports, offering a detailed look at the island’s recovery efforts and the path ahead following the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma.
According to the reports, significant progress has been made in rebuilding critical infrastructure, including schools, roads, and public utilities. Projects funded through the Trust Fund have helped restore access to essential services while also introducing more resilient construction standards designed to withstand future natural disasters.
Education has been a major focus, with several schools now fully rehabilitated and equipped with modern facilities. These upgrades not only address storm damage but also aim to improve long-term learning conditions for students across the island. Similarly, investments in waste management and emergency response systems have strengthened Sint Maarten’s ability to respond to future crises.
However, the reports also underscore persistent challenges. Delays in project implementation, rising construction costs, and administrative hurdles have slowed some initiatives. In addition, there are concerns about ensuring that recovery efforts remain inclusive, reaching vulnerable communities that were disproportionately affected by the hurricane.
The Trust Fund, financed by the World Bank and supported by the Government of the Netherlands, continues to emphasize transparency and accountability. Regular updates and public reporting are intended to keep residents informed and engaged in the rebuilding process.
Looking ahead, the focus is shifting from immediate recovery to sustainable development. This includes strengthening economic resilience, supporting local businesses, and investing in climate adaptation measures to better prepare the island for future environmental threats.
As Sint Maarten moves forward, the Trust Fund’s reports serve as both a record of progress and a reminder that rebuilding is an ongoing process—one that requires continued collaboration, careful planning, and community involvement.

Pensions as the Foundation of Sustainable Prosperity
Regional seminar brings professionals together to shape the future of the Dutch Caribbean

PHILIPSBURG:---  How do we ensure long-term prosperity in a region facing demographic change, economic pressure and evolving societal expectations?

For the first time, the annual seminar of the Caribbean Pension Funds Association (CaPAs) will be hosted in St. Maarten, with the event titled “Pensions and Prosperity” taking place on May 21, 2026, at the Sonesta, Maho Beach Resort. The seminar positions pensions not only as a financial arrangement but as a key pillar of social stability, economic resilience, and long-term development.

A broader conversation about prosperity
The CaPAs seminar goes beyond the traditional boundaries of the pension sector. It creates a platform for a broader discussion on the future of prosperity in the Dutch Caribbean. The focus is on how financial systems, demographic developments, and individual behavior interact. Together, these factors shape a stable and sustainable society.
“Pensions are not just about retirement income; they are a cornerstone of trust, stability, and long-term prosperity in our societies,” said Oscar Williams, Chair of CaPAs. “Hosting our annual seminar in St. Maarten for the first time underscores the importance of inclusive regional dialogue as we consider how today’s decisions can support resilient and sustainable outcomes for future generations.”

Three perspectives, one shared challenge
The keynote session brings together three leading experts, each offering a complementary perspective on the theme:
• Mr. Onno Steenbeek explores the role of pension systems as a driver of social stability, and the complex relationship between pension funds and governments.
• Mr. Daniel van Vuuren addresses the impact of demographic developments such as aging and migration, and compares pension models in the Dutch Caribbean and the Netherlands, looking ahead to 2050.
• Ms. Parveen Boertje focuses on financial literacy, generational differences, and the role of social insurance in building a more resilient and inclusive pension system.
Together, these perspectives provide a comprehensive view of how pension systems can evolve from certainty to resilience.

From insight to action
Following the keynote session, participants will engage in interactive breakout sessions, where the discussion moves from theory to practice.
Topics include:
• The role of individual responsibility and the third pension pillar.
• The balance between individualism and collective systems.
• The impact of financial risks on households and the wider community.
The seminar concludes with an interactive plenary session, where participants reflect on the insights gained and explore the question: what steps do we take tomorrow?

About CaPAs
The Caribbean Pension Funds Association (CaPAs) represents pension funds across Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba. The organization works to strengthen collaboration, improve knowledge, and increase awareness around pension-related issues in the Dutch Caribbean.
Through its annual seminars, CaPAs brings together expertise from across the region and beyond, creating a platform for dialogue, learning, and cooperation.

Practical information
Date: May 21, 2026
Location: Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Sint Maarten
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM
The seminar is open to professionals and interested stakeholders from across the region.

More information and registration: www.pensioenkoepel.org/seminar2026

 PHILIPSBURG:---  During the Rotary District 7020 Conference held in Kingston, Jamaica, from April 27 through May 2, 2026, the Rotary Clubs of St. Maarten/St. Martin and Anguilla were recognized with a variety of awards for their continued efforts to Unite for Good and to do good in the world. Rotary in St. Maarten/St. Martin and Anguilla dates back to 1972, and the Rotary Clubs on St. Maarten/St. Martin and Anguilla continue to thrive.

Assistant Governor Elisia L. Lake for St. Maarten and Anguilla said, “It is with tremendous pride that I congratulate all clubs across our territory for their outstanding representation at the recent Annual Rotary District 7020 Conference and for capturing honors across multiple award categories”.

District Governor Dr. William "Bill" Aiken presented the following awards to the St. Maarten and Anguilla clubs; The Rotary Club of Anguilla and The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise each received a Youth Service Award and a Certificate of Recognition; The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset received the Excellence Award and the Partnership Award; The Rotary Club of St. Maarten Mid-isle and The Rotary Club of St. Maarten each received a Certificate of Recognition.

Elisia L. Lake continued, “Serving as your Assistant Governor for the past three years has been a true honor. Your excellence, leadership, and commitment to Service Above Self have made our territory proud and set a powerful standard across Rotary District 7020.”

Rotarians representing St. Maarten/St. Martin and Anguilla at the annual District Conference in Kingston, Jamaica, included Carolyn Hodge, Cassie Lewis, Seymour Hodge, Ryan Truideman, Jina Mahbubani, Claudia Connor, Jade Maccow, Jamila Boirard, Franklyn Salomons, Rebecca Low, James Park, James Ferris, and Jeffrey "Dr. Soc" Sochrin.